Health guide
A healthy prostate at 40+: facts without panic
What the facts say about the ageing of the prostate, which examinations make sense and what in everyday routine genuinely helps.
The prostate is a small gland that in most men gradually grows with age. This is not a disease, but a physiological process. It does become important, however, because an enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and thereby disrupts the passing of water.
When to have an examination
Urological associations recommend a first examination at 50 years of age (40 if you have a case of prostate cancer in the family). The examination includes a conversation about symptoms, a PSA blood result and, if needed, a digital rectal examination.
Symptoms that point to problems: frequent night-time urination (more than twice), a weak stream, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, urgency, difficulty starting urination. A single symptom is not alarming, a combination of several symptoms is.
What the facts say about prevention
Movement. Men who exercise regularly have a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and of prostate cancer. The term "regularly" means 150 minutes of moderate movement per week.
A Mediterranean diet. More fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish oil. Less red meat and processed food. Long-term studies show a protective effect.
Weight control. In overweight men the risk of benign hyperplasia is higher.
What the facts say about dietary supplements
Supplements with saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol or pygeum have some clinical support for mild symptoms of benign hyperplasia. They are not, however, an alternative to an examination. A quality product has a clear declaration, a known production batch and clearly indicated limitations.
